Entries are open for the second edition of the Hamsterley 1-2-1 Race Series, to be held on September 3-4.

The 1-2-1 formar combined cross-country racing with downhill – the twist being that you ride both event on the same bike.

The inaugural 2010 event led to a host of tactical approaches – downhill rigs on skinny tyres for the cross-country, or beefed-up hardtails skittering down the greasy, rooty DH course.

Brother and sister Joe and Hannah Barnes dominated the event and set the standard for 2011. Prizes included bikes and frames from Orange and the organisers, Hamsterley Trailblazer, expect to have something just as tasty this year.

“We were surprised but chuffed at how many people were ready to give it a go last year,” said organiser Dave Nicholson. “We didn’t know whether anybody apart from us thought it was a good idea.

“In the end we topped a hundred entries and before the weekend was over people were asking when the next one would be held. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody again this year.”

Profits from the 2010 1-2-1 event helped fund the extension of the red singletrack Nitrous trail. It is scheduled to be ready to ride before this year’s race.

Camping is available from Friday night, with the XC event on Saturday and DH on Sunday. Entry will cost £45 for the weekend (including camping and BBQ).

You can enter via the Hamsterley Trailblazers website at www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk or at www.activeglobal.com. Entries are limited to just 150.